Open Research Data Concordat

Commenting on the Open Research Data Concordat, Director General of the Russell Group Dr Wendy Piatt said:

“Openness is increasingly important in terms of research and scientific data, especially with the new opportunities created by technological advances. Our researchers and universities are always keen to explore new ways to maximise the impact of our world-class research. That is why we have been engaging closely with the open research data agenda as it evolves and have supported the development of this concordat with sector partners to address practical issues such as capability, capacity and costs.

“It is important to remember that different disciplines are at different stages in thinking about the opportunities and challenges of open research data and this work will take time. The concordat rightly recognises that there can be no ‘one size fits all’ approach. There are also significant cost implications for open research data which must be respected by all parties and continue to concern us.

“However, this concordat and its ten principles set out useful expectations of good practice for the research community. This work lays the foundation for future open research data and importantly will help us maximise its benefits in an efficient and effective way.”

Notes to Editors

The Concordat on Open Research Data has been developed by a UK multi-stakeholder group, including the Russell Group, and is a set of expectations of best practice reflecting the needs of the research community. This concordat will help to ensure that research data gathered and generated by members of the UK research community is made openly available for use by others wherever possible; in a manner consistent with relevant legal, ethical, disciplinary and regulatory frameworks and norms, and with due regard to the costs involved.